Pathways > The Pathways book > Stalkers' tracks
Stalkers' tracks
The remote Highland scenery we so much admire has a troubled and sometimes bloody history. Perhaps the most influential and controversial episode in that history is that of the Highland Clearances. Whole communities were cleared from the land, some by attrition as their tenancies were not renewed, some by being encouraged to emigrate and some through brutally conducted 'removals'.
The immediate aim was to return the land to profitability through the grazing of sheep and cattle, an enterprise that was not always successful. The Highlands next became a venue for sport, hunting and fishing in particular. On the open moorlands grouse and deer were raised by a small army of stalkers and gamekeepers. It is an activity that has marked the landscape indelibly and made it what it is today.
The Scottish Highland walk, featured in the book, is free to download once you have joined as a member of Walkingworld. Do note that this is an ambitious two-day walk over rough terrain, with difficult navigation.
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There is a special thread in the Pathways forum for stalkers' paths, should you wish to join in the discussion.
Below is a list of other walks on stalkers' tracks:
Argyll and Bute
This strenuous and exhilarating hill walk climbs the southern two Munros (Scottish mountains over 3,000ft) of The Black Mount. Stob a' Choire Odhar is a straightforward mountain with a simple ascent, while Stob Ghabhar is full of sweeping corries,... More info
Highland
A pleasant walk following a stalkers' track, taking you up Gleann Coinneachain, across a bridge and back down Strath Croe.... More info
An ascent on a stalkers' path of one of Lochaber's less-frequented but particularly worthwhile Munros, the route described is a circular one from the shores of Loch Quoich, giving views in all directions at different stages of the walk.... More info
A testing two-day walk through remote Highland territory, staying at a bothy for the night. The route passes on stalkers' paths by Loch Glendhu and Loch Glencoul to Eas a Chual Aluinn, Britain's highest waterfall. The walk is featured in the... More info